Structure and formation method of semiconductor device with metal gate stack

ABSTRACT

A structure and formation method of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor stack having first sacrificial layers and first semiconductor layers laid out alternately. The method also includes patterning the semiconductor stack to form a first fin structure and a second fin structure. The method further includes replacing the second fin structure with a third fin structure having second sacrificial layers and second semiconductor layers laid out alternately. In addition, the method includes removing the first sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second sacrificial layers in the third fin structure. The method includes forming a first metal gate stack and a second metal gate stack to wrap around each of the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure and each of the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure, respectively.

BACKGROUND

The semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) industry has experienced rapid growth. Technological advances in IC materials and design have produced generations of ICs. Each generation has smaller and more complex circuits than the previous generation.

Over the course of IC evolution, functional density (i.e., the number of interconnected devices per chip area) has generally increased while geometric size (i.e., the smallest component (or line) that can be created using a fabrication process) has decreased. This scaling-down process generally provides benefits by increasing production efficiency and lowering associated costs.

However, these advances have increased the complexity of processing and manufacturing ICs. Since feature sizes continue to decrease, fabrication processes continue to become more difficult to perform. Therefore, it is a challenge to form reliable semiconductor devices at smaller and smaller sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It should be noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIGS. 1A-1N are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top layout view of an intermediate stage of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3J are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5E are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

The term “substantially” in the description, such as in “substantially flat” or in “substantially coplanar”, etc., will be understood by the person skilled in the art. In some embodiments the adjective substantially may be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, including 100%. Furthermore, terms such as “substantially parallel” or “substantially perpendicular” are to be interpreted as not to exclude insignificant deviation from the specified arrangement and may include for example deviations of up to 10°. The word “substantially” does not exclude “completely” e.g. a composition which is “substantially free” from Y may be completely free from Y.

Terms such as “about” in conjunction with a specific distance or size are to be interpreted so as not to exclude insignificant deviation from the specified distance or size and may include for example deviations of up to 10%. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value x may mean x±5 or 10%.

Embodiments of the disclosure may relate to FinFET structure having fins. The fins may be patterned by any suitable method. For example, the fins may be patterned using one or more photolithography processes, including double-patterning or multi-patterning processes. Generally, double-patterning or multi-patterning processes combine photolithography and self-aligned processes, allowing patterns to be created that have, for example, pitches smaller than what is otherwise obtainable using a single, direct photolithography process. For example, in some embodiments, a sacrificial layer is formed over a substrate and patterned using a photolithography process. Spacers are formed alongside the patterned sacrificial layer using a self-aligned process. The sacrificial layer is then removed, and the remaining spacers may then be used to pattern the fins. However, the fins may be formed using one or more other applicable processes.

Embodiments of the disclosure may relate to the gate all around (GAA) transistor structures. The GAA structure may be patterned by any suitable method. For example, the structures may be patterned using one or more photolithography processes, including double-patterning or multi-patterning processes. In some embodiments, double-patterning or multi-patterning processes combine photolithography and self-aligned processes, allowing patterns to be created that have, for example, pitches smaller than what is otherwise obtainable using a single, direct photolithography process. For example, in some embodiments, a sacrificial layer is formed over a substrate and patterned using a photolithography process. Spacers are formed alongside the patterned sacrificial layer using a self-aligned process. The sacrificial layer is then removed, and the remaining spacers may then be used to pattern the GAA structure.

Some embodiments of the disclosure are described. Additional operations can be provided before, during, and/or after the stages described in these embodiments. Some of the stages that are described can be replaced or eliminated for different embodiments. Additional features can be added to the semiconductor device structure. Some of the features described below can be replaced or eliminated for different embodiments. Although some embodiments are discussed with operations performed in a particular order, these operations may be performed in another logical order.

FIGS. 1A-1N are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1A, a semiconductor substrate 100 is received or provided. In some embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 100 is a bulk semiconductor substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. For example, the semiconductor substrate 100 includes silicon or other elementary semiconductor materials such as germanium. The semiconductor substrate 100 may be un-doped or doped (e.g., p-type, n-type, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 100 includes an epitaxially grown semiconductor layer on a dielectric layer. The epitaxially grown semiconductor layer may be made of silicon germanium, silicon, germanium, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof.

In some other embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 100 includes a compound semiconductor. For example, the compound semiconductor includes one or more III-V compound semiconductors having a composition defined by the formula Al_(X1)Ga_(X2)In_(X3)As_(Y1)P_(Y2)N_(Y3)Sb_(Y4), where X1, X2, X3, Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 represent relative proportions. Each of them is greater than or equal to zero, and added together they equal 1. The compound semiconductor may include silicon carbide, gallium arsenide, indium arsenide, indium phosphide, one or more other suitable compound semiconductors, or a combination thereof. Other suitable substrate including II-VI compound semiconductors may also be used.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 100 is an active layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate may be fabricated using a separation by implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) process, a wafer bonding process, another applicable method, or a combination thereof. In some other embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 100 includes a multi-layered structure. For example, the semiconductor substrate 100 includes a silicon-germanium layer formed on a bulk silicon layer.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the semiconductor substrate 100 includes a first region 10 and a second region 20. In some embodiments, a transistor (such as a FinFET) is to be formed over the first region 10, and a capacitor is to be formed over the second region 20. The transistor and the capacitor may together form a part of an analog device. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, different transistors are to be formed over the first region 10 and the second region 20, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a semiconductor stack having multiple semiconductor layers is formed over the semiconductor substrate 100, in accordance with some embodiments. The semiconductor stack extends over the first region 10 and the second region 20. In some embodiments, the semiconductor stack includes multiple sacrificial layers 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, and 102 d, and the semiconductor stack also includes multiple semiconductor layers 104 a, 104 b, 104 c, and 104 d. In some embodiments, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are laid out alternately, as shown in FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are made of different materials. In some embodiments, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d are made of or include silicon germanium or germanium, and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are made of or include silicon.

In some embodiments, each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d is thinner than each of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d. Having the sacrificial layer to be thicker than the semiconductor layer may facilitate the subsequent processes, such as a subsequent metal gate filling process. However, many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d is substantially as thick as each of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d. In some other embodiments, each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d is thicker than each of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d.

In some embodiments, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are formed using an epitaxial growth operation. Each of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d may be formed using a selective epitaxial growth (SEG) process, a CVD process (e.g., a vapor-phase epitaxy (VPE) process, a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process, and/or an ultra-high vacuum CVD (UHV-CVD) process), a molecular beam epitaxy process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are grown in-situ in the same process chamber. In some embodiments, the growth of the sacrificial layer and the growth of the semiconductor layer are alternately and sequentially performed in the same process chamber to complete the formation the semiconductor stack.

Afterwards, hard mask elements 110A and 110B are formed over the semiconductor stack, as shown in FIG. 1A in accordance with some embodiments. The hard mask elements 110A and 110B are used to assist in the subsequent patterning of the semiconductor stack. In some embodiments, the hard mask elements 110A and 110B includes multiple sub-layers such as hard mask layers 106 and 108. In some embodiments, the hard mask layer 106 is made of or includes silicon oxide. In some embodiments, the hard mask layer 108 is made of or includes silicon nitride, silicon carbide, silicon oxynitride, titanium nitride, titanium, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hard mask elements 110A and 110B are deposited using a CVD process, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, a spin coating process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof. One or more patterning processes may be used to have the hard mask elements 110A and 110B with the desired patterns.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the semiconductor stack is patterned to respectively form fin structures 112A and 112B over the first region 10 and the second region, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more etching processes are used to partially remove the semiconductor stack. As a result, the remaining portions of the semiconductor stack form the fin structures 112A and 112B, as shown in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 100 is also partially removed. As a result, protruding structures 101A and 101B are also formed as portions of the fin structures 112A and 112B, as shown in FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 1B, an isolation structure 114 is formed to surround the fin structures 112A and 112B, in accordance with some embodiments. The isolation structure 114 may also surround the hard mask elements 110A and 110B. In some embodiments, the top surface of the isolation structure 114 is substantially level with the top surfaces of the hard mask elements 110A and 110B.

In some embodiments, one or more dielectric layers are deposited over the fin structures 112A and 112B and the semiconductor substrate 100. Afterwards, a planarization process is used to partially remove the dielectric layers. The hard mask elements 110A and 110B may also function as a stop layer of the planarization process. As a result, the remaining portion of the dielectric layers forms the isolation structure 114. The planarization process may include a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, a grinding process, a dry polishing process, an etching process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a mask element 116 is formed to cover the fin structure 112A and a portion of the isolation structures 114, in accordance with some embodiments. Meanwhile, the hard mask element 110B over the fin structure 112B and a portion of the isolation structure 114 surrounding the fin structure 112B are exposed without being covered by the mask element 116. In some embodiments, the mask element 116 is a patterned photoresist element. In some embodiments, an anti-reflection coating (not shown) is formed under the mask element 116 to assist in the formation of the mask element 116 with the desired pattern.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the hard mask element 110B is removed to expose the top surface of the fin structure 112B, in accordance with some embodiments. For example, the semiconductor layer 104 d is exposed, as shown in FIG. 1D. In some embodiments, the hard mask element 110B is removed using one or more etching processes. Due to the protection of the mask element 116, the hard mask element 110A is not etched.

As shown in FIG. 1E, the fin structure 112B is removed, in accordance with some embodiments. As a result, a recess 117 where the fin structure 112B is originally occupied is formed, as shown in FIG. 1E. The recess 117 is surrounded by the isolation structure 114. In some embodiments, one or more etching processes are used to remove the fin structure 112B. In some embodiments, the fin structure 112B is removed using different etching gases in the same process chamber. Different etching gases may be introduced into the process chamber alternately and sequentially to remove the semiconductor layers and the sacrificial layers. In some other embodiments, the same mixture of etching gases is introduced in the process chamber to remove the fin structure 112B in a single etching operation.

As shown in FIG. 1F, sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f and semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f are sequentially and alternately formed in the recess 117 to form a fin structure 122, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1F, the fin structure 112B is replaced with the fin structure 122, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f of the fin structure 122 and the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d of the fin structure 112A are made of the same material. For example, the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f and 102 a-102 d are made of silicon germanium or germanium. In some embodiments, the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f of the fin structure 122 and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are made of the same material. For example, the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f and 104 a-104 d are made of silicon.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the material of semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f of the fin structure 122 is different than the material of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d of the fin structure 112A.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f include dopants dispersed therein. In some embodiments, each of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f of the fin structure 122 has a greater dopant concentration than that of each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d of the fin structure 112A. In some embodiments, the conductivity of each of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f is greater than each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d.

In some embodiments, each of the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f is thinner than each of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d, as shown in FIG. 1F. In some embodiments, each of the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f is thicker than each of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f. In some embodiments, each of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f is substantially as thick as each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d. However, many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, each of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f is thinner than each of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d.

In some embodiments, the total number of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f of the fin structure 122 is higher than the total number of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d of the fin structure 112A. As shown in FIG. 1F, the total number of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f of the fin structure 122 is six that is higher than the total number (i.e., four) of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d of the fin structure 112A.

In some embodiments, the total number of the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f of the fin structure 122 is higher than the total number of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d of the fin structure 112A. As shown in FIG. 1F, the total number of the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f of the fin structure 122 is six that is higher than the total number (i.e., four) of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d of the fin structure 112A.

As shown in FIG. 1F, there is interface between the sacrificial layer and the semiconductor layer that are next to each other. For example, there is an interface between the sacrificial layer 118 a and the semiconductor layer 120 a. Similarly, there is an interface between the sacrificial layer 118 b and the semiconductor layer 120 b. In some embodiments, the total (i.e., the entire combination of) interface area between the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f and the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f in the fin structure 122 is larger than the total interface area between the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d in the fin structure 112A.

As shown in FIG. 1G, hard mask layers 124 and 126 are sequentially deposited over the structure shown in FIG. 1F, in accordance with some embodiments. The hard mask layer 124 may extend along upper sidewalls of the isolation structure 114, as shown in FIG. 1G. The material and formation method of the hard mask layer 124 may be the same as or similar to those of the hard mask layer 106. The material and formation method of the hard mask layer 126 may be the same as or similar to those of the hard mask layer 108.

As shown in FIG. 1H, a planarization process is use to remove the portion of the hard mask layers 124 and 126 above the top surface of the isolation structure 114, in accordance with some embodiments. As a result, the hard mask element 110A and the isolation structure 114 are exposed. The fin structure 122 is covered by the remaining portions of the hard mask layers 124 and 126. The planarization process may include a CMP process, a grinding process, a dry polishing process, an etching process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 11, the isolation structure 114 is partially removed, in accordance with some embodiments. As a result, the fin structures 112A and 122 protrude from the top surface of the remaining isolation structure 114. One or more etching processes may be used to recess the isolation structure 114. Afterwards, the hard mask layers 106, 108, 124, and 126 are removed, as shown in FIG. 1J in accordance with some embodiments.

Afterwards, dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B are formed, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a top layout view of an intermediate stage of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 3A-3J are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, FIG. 1K shows the cross-sectional view of the semiconductor device structure taken along the lines 1K-1K and 1K′-1K′ in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, FIG. 3A shows the cross-sectional view of the semiconductor device structure taken along the lines 3A-3A and 3A′-3A′ in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1K, 2A, and 3A, dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B are formed to partially cover and to extend across the fin structures 112A and 122, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B wraps around the fin structures 112A and 122, as shown in FIG. 1K. The dummy gate stack 132A includes a dummy gate dielectric layer 128A and a dummy gate electrode 130A, as shown in FIGS. 1K and 3A. The dummy gate stack 132B includes a dummy gate dielectric layer 128B and a dummy gate electrode 130B.

The dummy gate dielectric layers 128A and 128B may be made of or include silicon oxide. The dummy gate electrodes 130A and 130B may be made of or include polysilicon. In some embodiments, a dummy gate dielectric material layer and a dummy gate electrode layer are sequentially deposited over the isolation structure 114 and the fin structures 112A and 122. Afterwards, the dummy gate dielectric material layer and the dummy gate electrode layer are patterned to form the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B.

In some embodiments, the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B are two separate dummy gate stacks. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the elements 132A and 132B are portions of a single dummy gate stack. In these cases, the device structures formed over the regions 10 and 20 share the same dummy gate stack.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a spacer layer 302 is deposited over the structure shown in FIG. 3A. The spacer layer 302 may extend along the sidewalls of the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B. The spacer layer 302 may be made of or include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. The spacer layer 302 may be deposited using a CVD process, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, a PVD process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d and the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d that protrude from the sidewalls of the dummy gate stack 132A are removed, in accordance with some embodiments. The semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f and the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f that protrude from the sidewalls of the dummy gate stack 132B are also removed. One or more etching processes may be used to achieve the partial removal of semiconductor layers and sacrificial layers mentioned above. The spacer layer 302 is also partially removed during the one or more etching processes. As a result, remaining portions of the spacer layer 302 extending on the sidewalls of the dummy gate stack 132A form spacer elements 302A. Remaining portions of the spacer layer 302 extending on the sidewalls of the dummy gate stack 132B form spacer elements 302B. The protruding portions 101A and 101B may also be recessed during the one or more etching process, which may facilitate subsequent formation of epitaxial structures.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and 118 a-118 f are laterally etched, in accordance with some embodiments. As a result, edges of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d retreat from edges of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d. Edges of the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f retreat from edges of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f.

Afterwards, another spacer layer is deposited over the structure shown in FIG. 3D, in accordance with some embodiments. Then, an anisotropic etching process is used to partially remove the spacer layer. The remaining portions of the spacer layer form inner spacers 303A and 303B. The inner spacers 303A and 303B cover the edges of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3F, epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are respectively formed beside the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A connect to the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d. The semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d are sandwiched between the epitaxial structures 304A. In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304B connect to the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f. The semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f are sandwiched between the epitaxial structures 304B.

In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are p-type regions. For example, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B may include epitaxially grown silicon germanium or silicon germanium doped with boron. In some other embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are n-type regions. The epitaxial structures 304A and 304B may include epitaxially grown silicon, epitaxially grown silicon carbide (SiC), epitaxially grown silicon phosphide (SiP), or another suitable epitaxially grown semiconductor material.

In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are formed by using a selective epitaxial growth (SEG) process, a CVD process (e.g., a vapor-phase epitaxy (VPE) process, a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process, and/or an ultra-high vacuum CVD (UHV-CVD) process), a molecular beam epitaxy process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are doped with one or more suitable dopants. For example, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are SiGe source/drain features doped with boron (B), indium (In), or another suitable dopant. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are Si source/drain features doped with phosphor (P), antimony (Sb), or another suitable dopant.

In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are doped in-situ during their epitaxial growth. In some other embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are not doped during the growth of the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B. Instead, after the formation of the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are doped in a subsequent process. In some embodiments, the doping is achieved by using an ion implantation process, a plasma immersion ion implantation process, a gas and/or solid source diffusion process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B are further exposed to one or more annealing processes to activate the dopants. For example, a rapid thermal annealing process is used.

Afterwards, a dielectric layer 306 is deposited over the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B and the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B, as shown in FIG. 3F in accordance with some embodiments. A planarization process may be used to remove the upper portion of the dielectric layer 306 to provide the dielectric layer 306 with a substantially planar top surface. In some embodiments, the top surface of the dielectric layer 306 is substantially level with the top surfaces of the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B.

The dielectric layer 306 may be made of or include silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, borosilicate glass (BSG), phosphoric silicate glass (PSG), borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG), fluorinated silicate glass (FSG), low-k material, porous dielectric material, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 306 is deposited using a CVD process, a flowable chemical vapor deposition (FCVD) process, an ALD process, a spin coating process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof. The planarization process performed to the dielectric layer 306 may include a CMP process, a grinding process, an etching process, a dry polishing process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 1L and 3G, one or more etching processes are used to remove the dummy gate stacks 132A and 132B to form trenches 308A and 308B that are surrounded by the dielectric layer 306, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1L, the trenches 308A and 308B expose the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and 118 a-118 f, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1M and 3H, the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and 118 a-118 f are removed, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, an etching process is used to remove the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and 118 a-118 f. Due to high etching selectivity, the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d and 120 a-120 f are substantially not etched. The remaining semiconductor layers form semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d and 222 a-222 f, as shown in FIGS. 1M and 3H. After the removal of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and 118 a-118 f, recesses 310A and 310B are formed. The recesses 310A connect to the trench 308A and surround each of the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d. The recesses 310B connect to the trench 308B and surround each of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f. During the removal of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d and 118 a-118 f, the inner spacers 303A and 303B protect the epitaxial structures 304A and 304B from being etched.

As shown in FIGS. 1N and 3I, metal gate stacks 138A and 138B are formed to fill the trenches 138A and 138B, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view partially showing the structure in FIG. 1N. The metal gate stacks 138A and 138B extend into the recesses 310A and 310B to wrap around each of the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d of the fin structure 112A and each of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122, respectively.

Each of the metal gate stacks 138A and 138B includes multiple metal gate stack layers. The metal gate stacks 138A and 138B may include a gate dielectric layer 134, work function layers 135A and 135B, and conductive fillings 136A and 136B. For clarity, the work function layers 135A and 135B are shown in FIG. 4 but not shown in FIGS. 1N and 3G. In some embodiments, the formation of the metal gate stacks 138A and 138B involves the deposition of multiple metal gate stack layers over the dielectric layer 306 to fill the trenches 308A and 308B. The metal gate stack layers extends into the recesses 310A and 310B to wrap around each of the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d of the fin structure 112A and each of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122.

In some embodiments, the gate dielectric layer 134 is made of or includes a dielectric material with high dielectric constant (high-K). The gate dielectric layer 134 may be made of or include hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide, hafnium dioxide-alumina alloy, hafnium silicon oxide, hafnium silicon oxynitride, hafnium tantalum oxide, hafnium titanium oxide, hafnium zirconium oxide, one or more other suitable high-K materials, or a combination thereof. The gate dielectric layer 134 may be deposited using an ALD process, a CVD process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

The work function layers 135A and 135B shown in FIG. 4 may be used to provide the desired work function for transistors to enhance device performance including improved threshold voltage. In some embodiments, the work function layer 135A or 135B is used for forming an NMOS device. The work function layer 135A or 135B is an n-type work function layer. The n-type work function layer is capable of providing a work function value suitable for the device, such as equal to or less than about 4.5 eV.

The n-type work function layer may include metal, metal carbide, metal nitride, or a combination thereof. For example, the n-type work function layer includes titanium nitride, tantalum, tantalum nitride, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the n-type work function is an aluminum-containing layer. The aluminum-containing layer may be made of or include TiAlC, TiAlO, TiAlN, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the work function layer 135A or 135B is used for forming a PMOS device. The work function layer is a p-type work function layer. The p-type work function layer is capable of providing a work function value suitable for the device, such as equal to or greater than about 4.8 eV.

The p-type work function layer may include metal, metal carbide, metal nitride, other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. For example, the p-type metal includes tantalum nitride, tungsten nitride, titanium, titanium nitride, other suitable materials, or a combination thereof.

The work function layers 135A and/or 135B may also be made of or include hafnium, zirconium, titanium, tantalum, aluminum, metal carbides (e.g., hafnium carbide, zirconium carbide, titanium carbide, aluminum carbide), aluminides, ruthenium, palladium, platinum, cobalt, nickel, conductive metal oxides, or a combinations thereof. The thickness and/or the compositions of the work function layers 135A and/or 135B may be fine-tuned to adjust the work function level. For example, a titanium nitride layer may be used as a p-type work function layer or an n-type work function layer, depending on the thickness and/or the compositions of the titanium nitride layer.

The work function layer 135A and/or 135B may be deposited over the gate dielectric layer 134 using an ALD process, a CVD process, a PVD process, an electroplating process, an electroless plating process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a barrier layer is formed before the work function layer 135A or 135B to interface the gate dielectric layer 134 with subsequently formed work function layer 135A and/or 135B. The barrier layer may also be used to prevent diffusion between the gate dielectric layer 134 and the subsequently formed work function layer 135A or 135B. The barrier layer 120 may be made of or include a metal-containing material. The metal-containing material may include titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. The barrier layer may be deposited using an ALD process, a CVD process, a PVD process, an electroplating process, an electroless plating process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the conductive fillings 136A and 136B are made of or include a metal material. The metal material may include tungsten, aluminum, copper, cobalt, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. A conductive layer used for forming the conductive fillings 136A and 136B may be deposited over the work function layer 135A or 135B using a CVD process, an ALD process, a PVD process, an electroplating process, an electroless plating process, a spin coating process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a blocking layer is formed over the work function layer 135A or 135B before the formation of the conductive layer for forming the conductive fillings 136A and 136B. The blocking layer may be used to prevent the subsequently formed conductive layer from diffusing or penetrating into the work function layer 135A or 135B. The blocking layer may be made of or include tantalum nitride, titanium nitride, one or more other suitable materials, or a combination thereof. The blocking layer may be deposited using an ALD process, a PVD process, an electroplating process, an electroless plating process, one or more other applicable processes, or a combination thereof.

Afterwards, a planarization process is performed to remove the portions of the metal gate stack layers outside of the trenches 308A and 308B, in accordance with some embodiments. As a result, the remaining portions of the metal gate stack layers form the metal gate stacks 138A and 138B, as shown in FIGS. 1N, 3I, and 4. In some embodiments, the metal gate stacks 138A and 138B are two separate metal gate stacks. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the elements 138A and 138B are portions of a single metal gate stack. In these cases, the device structures formed over the regions 10 and 20 share the same metal gate stack.

As shown in FIG. 4, the total surface area of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122 is larger than the total surface area of the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d of the fin structure 112A. In some embodiments, the device structure formed over the region 20 functions as a capacitor. In some embodiments, one or more conductive structures are formed to form an electrical connection between the epitaxial structures 304B beside the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f. As a result, the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f together with the connected epitaxial structure 304B may function as a first capacitor electrode. The work function layer 135B and the conductive filling 136B may function as a second capacitor electrode. The gate dielectric layer 134 between the first capacitor electrode and the second capacitor electrode may function as a capacitor dielectric. Since the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122 has a large surface area, the capacitor may have a sufficient capacitance without occupying too much wafer area.

In some embodiments, the total number of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122 is higher than the total number of the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d of the fin structure 112A. As shown in FIG. 4, the total number of the semiconductor layers 120 a-120 f of the fin structure 122 is six that is higher than the total number (i.e., four) of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d of the fin structure 112A.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fin structure 112A has a height H₁, and the fin structure 122 has a height H₂. In some embodiments, the height H₁ is substantially equal to the height H₂. The fin structures 112A and 122 are substantially as high as each other. The height H₁ or H₂ may be in a range from about 35 nm to about 80 nm.

As shown in FIG. 4, the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d of the fin structure 112A are separated from each other by a distance D₁. The semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122 are separated from each other by a distance D₂. In some embodiments, the distance D₁ is greater than the distance D₂. The distance D₂ may be in a range from about 5 nm to about 15 nm.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the semiconductor strips 111 a-111 d of the fin structure 112A has a thickness T₁. Each of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 e of the fin structure 122 has a thickness T₂. In some embodiments, the thickness T₁ is substantially equal to the thickness T₂. The thickness T₁ or T₂ may be in a range from about 5 nm to about 10 nm.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the thickness T₁ is greater than the thickness T₂.

In some embodiments, the topmost semiconductor layer 120 f of the fin structure 122 is formed to be thinner than each of the lower semiconductor layers 120 a-120 e. As a result, the topmost semiconductor strip 222 f formed by the semiconductor layer 120 f has a thickness T₃ that is thinner than the thickness T₂, as shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments. Because the topmost semiconductor strip 222 f is formed to be thinner, the total height H₂ may be maintained substantially as high as the height H₁ of the fin structure 112A. Because the fin structures 112A and 122 have substantially the same height, the operations of the subsequent processes may be easier.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fin structure 112A has a width W₁, and the fin structure 122 has a width W₂. In some embodiments, the widths W₁ and W₂ are substantially as wide as each other. The width W₂ may be in a range from about 20 nm to about 100 nm.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the semiconductor fin 122 is formed to be wider than the semiconductor fin 112A. The width W₂ is larger than the width W₁. In these cases, the total surface area of the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f of the fin structure 122 is further increased. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor formed in the region 20 is increased accordingly.

In some embodiments, by tuning the total number of the semiconductor strips, the thickness of the semiconductor strips, the width of the semiconductor strips, and/or the distance between the semiconductor strips, the capacitance of the capacitor may be enlarged or tuned according to the requirement. The device area occupied by the capacitor is significantly reduced.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, one or more conductive structures are formed to form an electrical connection between the epitaxial structures 304B beside the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f so as to form a capacitor. FIG. 3J shows an example of the conductive structures.

As shown in FIG. 3J, a dielectric layer 308 is deposited over the structure shown in FIG. 3I, in accordance with some embodiments. The material and formation method of the dielectric layer 308 may be the same as or similar to those of the dielectric layer 306.

Afterwards, conductive contacts 202 a, 202 b, 202 c and 202 d are formed in the dielectric layers 306 and 308, as shown in FIG. 3J in accordance with some embodiments. The conductive contacts 202 a and 202 b are used to provide electrical connection to the epitaxial structures 304A which function as source/drain features. The formation of the conductive contacts 202 a, 202 b, 202 c and 202 d may involve contact opening formation, conductive material filling, and planarization process.

Afterwards, a dielectric layer 310 is deposited over the conductive contacts 202 a-202 d and the dielectric layer 308, as shown in FIG. 3J in accordance with some embodiments. The material and formation method of the dielectric layer 310 may be the same as or similar to those of the dielectric layer 306. Afterwards, a conductive feature 204 is formed in the dielectric layer 306. As a result, the epitaxial structures 304B beside the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f are electrically shorted together. In some embodiments, the conductive feature 204, the conductive contacts 202 c and 202 d, the epitaxial structures 304B, and the semiconductor strips 222 a-222 f may together function as the first capacitor electrode of the capacitor formed over the region 20.

However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, the conductive feature 204 is not formed to electrically connect the conductive contact 202 c to the conductive contact 202 d. In these cases, the device structure formed over the region 20 may function as a transistor but not a capacitor.

In some embodiments, the fin structure 112B having fewer semiconductor layers is replace with the fin structure 122 having more semiconductor layers. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. Many variations and/or modifications can be made to embodiments of the disclosure. In some other embodiments, a fin structure having more semiconductor layers (or more semiconductor strips) is replaced with a fin structure having fewer semiconductor layers (or fewer semiconductor strips).

FIGS. 5A-5E are cross-sectional views of various stages of a process for forming a semiconductor device structure, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5A, similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, fin structures 512A and 512B are respectively formed over the regions 10 and 20 of the semiconductor substrate 100 and are surrounded by the isolation structure 114, in accordance with some embodiments. Each of the fin structures 512A and 512B has multiple sacrificial layers 502 a-502 f and multiple semiconductor layers 504 a-504 f that are laid out alternately. The material and formation method of the sacrificial layers 502 a-502 f may be the same as or similar to those of the sacrificial layers 102 a-102 d shown in FIG. 1A. The material and formation method of the semiconductor layers 504 a-504 f may be the same as or similar to those of the semiconductor layers 104 a-104 d shown in FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 5B, similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1C, a mask element 516 is formed to cover the fin structure 512B and a portion of the isolation structures 114, in accordance with some embodiments. Meanwhile, the hard mask element 110A over the fin structure 512A and a portion of the isolation structure 114 surrounding the fin structure 512A are exposed without being covered by the mask element 516. In some embodiments, the mask element 516 is a patterned photoresist element.

As shown in FIG. 5C, similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1E, the hard mask element 110A and the fin structure 512A are removed to form a trench 517 surrounded by the isolation structure 114, in accordance with some embodiments. One or more etching processes may be used to form the trench 517.

As shown in FIG. 5D, similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1F-1J, a fin structure 522 is formed over the protruding structure 101A, and the isolation structure 114 is partially removed, in accordance with some embodiments. The fin structure 512A is thus replaced with the fin structure 522.

In some embodiments, the fin structure 522 has multiple sacrificial layers 518 a-518 d and multiple semiconductor layers 520 a-520 d that are laid out alternately. The material and formation method of the sacrificial layers 518 a-518 d may be the same as or similar to those of the sacrificial layers 118 a-118 f shown in FIG. 1F. The material and formation method of the semiconductor layers 520 a-520 d may be the same as or similar to those of the sacrificial layers 120 a-120 f shown in FIG. 1F. The total number of the semiconductor layers 520 a-520 d of the fin structure 522 is less than the total number of the semiconductor layers 504 a-504 f of the fin structure 512A.

As shown in FIG. 5E, processes similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1K-1N are performed to form the metal gate stacks 138A and 138B, in accordance with some embodiments. The metal gate stack 138A wraps around semiconductor strips 444 a-444 d that are formed by the semiconductor layers 520 a-520 d. The metal gate stack 138B wraps around semiconductor strips 333 a-333 f that are formed by the semiconductor layers 504 a-504 f.

In some embodiments, conductive structure similar to the conductive contacts 202 c and 202 d and the conductive feature 204 are formed to form an electrical connection between the epitaxial structures beside the semiconductor strips 333 a-333 f. In these cases, the device structure over the region 20 may function as a capacitor. In some other embodiments, the conductive feature 204 is not formed to form an electrical connection between the epitaxial structures beside the semiconductor strips 333 a-333 f. In these cases, the device structure over the region 20 may function as a transistor.

Embodiments of the disclosure form a semiconductor device structure with two or more fin structures each includes multiple semiconductor strips. One of the fin structures is replaced with a new fin structure that has more or fewer semiconductor strips than the original fin structure. Therefore, interface area between the semiconductor strips and a subsequently formed metal gate stack may be enlarged or tuned, which allows the performance of the semiconductor device structure to be enhanced. For example, the new fin structure functions as a portion of a capacitor. The enlarged interface area between the semiconductor strips and the metal gate stack may provide the capacitor with a larger capacitance without occupying more wafer area. The performance and reliability of the semiconductor device structure are greatly improved.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a semiconductor stack having first sacrificial layers and first semiconductor layers laid out alternately. The method also includes patterning the semiconductor stack to form a first fin structure and a second fin structure. The method further includes replacing the second fin structure with a third fin structure having second sacrificial layers and second semiconductor layers laid out alternately. In addition, the method includes removing the first sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second sacrificial layers in the third fin structure. The method includes forming a first metal gate stack and a second metal gate stack to wrap around each of the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure and each of the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure, respectively.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first fin structure and a second fin structure each having sacrificial layers and semiconductor layers laid out alternately. A total interface area between the sacrificial layers and the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure is larger than a total interface area between the sacrificial layers and the semiconductor layers in the first fin structure. The method also includes removing the sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second fin structure. The method further includes forming one or more metal gate stacks to wrap around each of the semiconductor layers in the first fin structure and each of the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure.

In accordance with some embodiments, a semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first fin structure having first semiconductor strips separated from each other. The semiconductor device structure also includes a second fin structure having second semiconductor strips separated from each other. A total surface area of the second semiconductor strips of the second fin structure is larger than a total surface area of the first semiconductor strips of the first fin structure. The semiconductor device structure further includes a first metal gate stack wrapping around each of the first semiconductor strips. In addition, the semiconductor device structure includes a second metal gate stack wrapping around each of the second semiconductor strips.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

1. A method for forming a semiconductor device structure, comprising: forming a semiconductor stack having a plurality of first sacrificial layers and a plurality of first semiconductor layers laid out alternately; patterning the semiconductor stack to form a first fin structure and a second fin structure; replacing the second fin structure with a third fin structure having a plurality of second sacrificial layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers laid out alternately; removing the first sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second sacrificial layers in the third fin structure; and forming a first metal gate stack and a second metal gate stack to wrap around each of the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure and each of the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure, respectively.
 2. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sacrificial layers and the second sacrificial layers are made of a same material.
 3. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first semiconductor layers and the second semiconductor layers are made of a same material.
 4. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the second sacrificial layers is thinner than each of the first sacrificial layers.
 5. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the second semiconductor layers is substantially as thick as each of the first semiconductor layers.
 6. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a total number of the second semiconductor layers is higher than a total number of the first semiconductor layers.
 7. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: forming a first dummy gate stack and a second dummy gate stack wrapping around the first fin structure and the third fin structure, respectively; respectively growing first epitaxial structures and second epitaxial structure beside the first dummy gate stack and the second dummy gate stack, wherein the first epitaxial structures connect to the first semiconductor layers, and the second epitaxial structures connect to the second semiconductor layers; forming a dielectric layer to cover the first epitaxial structures and the second epitaxial structures and to surround the first dummy gate stack and the second dummy gate stack; and removing the first dummy gate stack and the second dummy gate stack before the first sacrificial layers and the second sacrificial layers are removed.
 8. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 7, further comprising forming at least one conductive structure to form an electrical connection between the second epitaxial structures.
 9. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: forming an isolation structure to surround the first fin structure and the second fin structure; forming a mask element to cover the first fin structure and a portion of the isolation structure; removing the second fin structure to form a recess surrounded by the isolation structure; and sequentially and alternately forming the second sacrificial layers and the second semiconductor layers in the recess to form the third fin structure.
 10. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein a topmost second semiconductor layer of the second semiconductor layers is formed to be thinner than a lower layer of the second semiconductor layers.
 11. A method for forming a semiconductor device structure, comprising: forming a first fin structure and a second fin structure each having a plurality of sacrificial layers and a plurality of semiconductor layers laid out alternately, wherein a total interface area between the sacrificial layers and the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure is larger than a total interface area between the sacrificial layers and the semiconductor layers in the first fin structure; removing the sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second fin structure; and forming at least one metal gate stack to wrap around each of the semiconductor layers in the first fin structure and each of the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure.
 12. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the sacrificial layers in the second fin structure is thinner than each of the sacrificial layers in the first fin structure.
 13. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein a total number of the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure is higher than a total number of the semiconductor layers in the first fin structure.
 14. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 11, further comprising: forming at least one dummy gate stack to wrap around the first fin structure and the second fin structure; growing first epitaxial structures and second epitaxial structures beside the at least one dummy gate stack, wherein the first epitaxial structures hold the semiconductor layers in the first fin structure, and the second epitaxial structures hold the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure; forming a dielectric layer to cover the first epitaxial structures and the second epitaxial structures and to surround the at least one dummy gate stack; and removing the at least one dummy gate stack before the sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second fin structure are removed.
 15. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: forming a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact in the dielectric layer, wherein the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact are electrically connected to the second epitaxial structures over opposite ends of the semiconductor layers in the second fin structure, respectively; and forming a conductive feature to form an electrical connection between the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact. 16-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for forming a semiconductor device structure, comprising: forming a first fin structure and a second fin structure each having a plurality of first sacrificial layers and a plurality of first semiconductor layers laid out alternately; replacing the second fin structure with a third fin structure having a plurality of second sacrificial layers and a plurality of second semiconductor layers laid out alternately, wherein a total number of the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure is different than a total number of the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure; removing the first sacrificial layers in the first fin structure and the second sacrificial layers in the third fin structure; and forming at least one metal gate stack to wrap around each of the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure and each of the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure.
 22. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the total number of the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure is greater than the total number of the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure.
 23. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the second sacrificial layers is thinner than each of the first sacrificial layers.
 24. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first sacrificial layers and the second sacrificial layers are made of a same material.
 25. The method for forming a semiconductor device structure as claimed in claim 21, wherein a total interface area between the second sacrificial layers and the second semiconductor layers in the third fin structure is larger than a total interface area between the first sacrificial layers and the first semiconductor layers in the first fin structure. 